Vietnam's defensive organisation is under scrutiny before the third-place match against Malaysia at Gelora Bung Karno, scheduled for 16:00 on October 5. Thanh Nien highlights four goals conceded in three tournament matches, alongside the challenges of rotation and Viet Anh's fitness. Coach Kim Sang-sik must balance his available personnel with the need for compact positioning and support between the lines. The assessment concerns preparations for the fixture rather than a confirmed starting lineup.